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Ashley S. Johnson
The Self-Interpreting New Testament (1898)

 

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE
GALATIANS.

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

 

CHAPTER 1.

P AUL, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
      2   And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
      3   Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
      4   Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
      "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matt., 20:28)."
      5   To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
      6   I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
      "For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him (II. Cor., 11:4)."
      7   Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
      8   But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
      9   As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
      "For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ (II. Cor., 2:17)."
      "But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God (II. Cor., 4:2)."
      10   For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
      11   But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
      "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
      By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
      For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
      And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (I. Cor., 15:1-4)."
      12   For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ
      13   For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
      14   And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
      "My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
      Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee (Acts, 26:4, 5)."
      15   But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
      16   To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
      "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
      For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh (II. Cor., 4:10, 11)."
      17   Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
      18   Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. [292]
      19   But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
      20   Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
      "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you (I. Cor., 11:23)."
      21   Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
      22   And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ:
      23   But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
      "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
      And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God (Acts, 9:19, 20)."
      24   And they glorified God in me.

 

CHAPTER 2.

T HEN fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
      2   And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
      "Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them (Acts, 15:12)."
      3   But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
      4   And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
      5   To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
      6   But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
      "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
      But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him (Acts, 10:34, 35)."
      "For there is no respect of persons with God (Rom., 2:11)."
      7   But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
      "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity (I. Tim., 2:7)."
      "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts (I. Thess., 2:4)."
      8   (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
      9   And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
      10   Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
      "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judæa:
      Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul (Acts, 11:29, 30)."
      11   But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
      "And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
      Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them (Acts, 11:2, 3)."
      12   For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
      13   And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
      14   But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the [293] manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
      15   We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
      "And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham (Matt., 3:9)."
      "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others (Eph., 2:3)."
      16   Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
      "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
      And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses (Acts, 13:38, 39)."
      17   But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
      18   For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
      19   For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
      "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Rom., 8:2)."
      "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Rom., 6:14)."
      "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom., 6:11)."
      20   I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
      "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin;
      For he that is dead is freed from sin (Rom., 6:6, 7)."
      "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again (II. Cor., 5:15)."
      "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour (Eph., 5:2)."
      21   I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
      "Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law (Gal., 3:21)."

 

CHAPTER 3.

     
O FOOLISH Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
      "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report (Rom., 10:16)?"
      "Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth (Gal., 5:7)?"
      "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
      And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Heb., 5:8, 9)."
      2   This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
      "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts, 2:38)."
      "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him (Acts, 5:32)."
      3   Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
      "How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
      For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory (II. Cor., 3:8, 9)."
      4   Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
      5   He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
      "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto [294] salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Rom., 1:16)."
      "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Rom., 10:17)."
      6   Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
      "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness (Gen., 15:6)."
      7   Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
      8   And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
      "In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Gen., 12:3)."
      9   So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
      "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Gal., 3:29)."
      10   For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
      "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen (Deut., 27:26)."
      11   But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
      "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Hab., 2:4)."
      12   And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
      "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
      For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
      But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
      Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
      But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach (Rom., 10:4-8)."
      "Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God.
      Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord (Lev., 18:4, 5)."
      13   Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
      "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (II. Cor., 5:21)."
      "For he that is hanged is accursed of God (Deut., 21:23)."
      14   That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
      "For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
      For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
      Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression (Rom., 4:13-15)."
      "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise (Eph., 1:13)."
      15   Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
      16   Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
      "Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:
      And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
      And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed (Gen., 12:1-3)."
      "And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,
      And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
      That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; [295]
      And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice (Gen., 22:15-18)."
      "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
      And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
      Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws (Gen., 26:3-5)."
      "And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
      And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Gen., 28:13, 14)."
      17   And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
      "Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.
      And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt (Ex., 12:40, 41)."
      18   For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
      19   Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
      "Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression (Rom., 4:15)."
      "And to thy seed, which is Christ (Gal., 3:16)."
      "Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it (Acts, 7:53)."
      20   Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
      "Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also (Rom., 3:29)."
      21   Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
      "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain (Gal., 2:21)."
      22   But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
      23   But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
      "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
      Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin (Rom., 3:19, 20)."
      24   Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
      "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom., 5:1)."
      25   But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
      "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace (Rom., 6:14)."
      26   For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
      "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law (Rom. 3:28)."
      27   For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
      "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
      Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
      For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection (Rom., 6:6:3-5)."
      28   There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
      "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; [296]
      That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (Jno., 17:20, 21)."
      29   And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 

CHAPTER 4.

N OW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
      2   But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
      3   Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
      "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage (Gal., 4:9?"
      "For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself (Heb., 9:26)."
      4   But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
      "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
      Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
      And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS (Matt., 1:23-25)."
      "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil (Matt., 5:17)."
      5   To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
      "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many (Matt., 20:28)."
      "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree (Gal., 3:13)."
      6   And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
      "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
      The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
      And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (Rom., 8:15-17)."
      7   Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
      8   Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
      9   But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
      "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
      Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
      For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
      Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace (Gal., 5:1-4)."
      10   Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
      "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days (Col., 2:16)."
      11   I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
      12   Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
      13   Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
      14   And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
      15   Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
      16   Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
      17   They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
      18   But it is good to be zealously [297] affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
      19   My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
      "For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel (I. Cor., 4:15)."
      20   I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
      21   Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
      22   For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
      "And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram (Gen., 16:16)."
      "And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
      And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me (Gen., 21:5, 6)."
      23   But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
      24   Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
      "And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
      Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.
      Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob (Deut., 33:2-4)."
      25   For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
      26   But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
      "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
      Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:
      But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
      And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more (Jer., 31:31-34)."
      "The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
      And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
      And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isa., 2:1-3)."
      "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
      And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke, 24:46, 47)."
      27   For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
      "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord (Isa., 54:1)."
      28   Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
      "In Isaac shall thy seed be called (Gen., 21:12)."
      29   But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
      "And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking (Gen., 21:9)."
      30   Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
      "Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son [298] of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac (Gen., 21:10)."
      "In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away (Heb., 8:13)."
      "He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second (Heb., 10:9)."
      "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
      And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
      They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
      Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
      And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
      If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (Jno., 8:31-36)."
      31   So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

 

CHAPTER 5.

S TAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
      "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (Jno., 8:32)."
      2   Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
      3   For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
      4   Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
      "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall (I. Cor., 10:12)."
      5   For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
      6   For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
      7   Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
      8   This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
      9   A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
      10   I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
      11   And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
      12   I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
      13   For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
      "But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (I. Cor., 8:9)."
      "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more (I. Cor., 9:19)."
      14   For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
      "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
      On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matt., 22:39, 40)."
      15   But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
      16   This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
      17   For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
      "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
      Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (Rom., 8:6, 7)."
      18   "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
      "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
      For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
      That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom., 8:2-4)."
      19   Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
      20   Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
      21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, [299] revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
      "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
      For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live (Rom., 8:12, 13)."
      22   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
      23   Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
      "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Rom., 8:14)."
      24   And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
      25   If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
      "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked (I. Jno., 2:6)."
      26   Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

 

CHAPTER 6.

B RETHREN, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
      "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations (Rom., 14:1)."
      "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Rom., 15:1)."
      2   Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
      "That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom., 15:6)."
      3   For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
      4   But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
      5   For every man shall bear his own burden.
      "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom., 14:12)."
      6   Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
      "It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things (Rom., 15:27)."
      "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
      Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (I. Cor., 9:11, 14)."
      7   Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
      8   For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
      "Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same (Job, 4:8)."
      "The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward (Prov., 11:18)."
      "He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail (Prov., 22:8)."
      "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up (Hos., 8:7)."
      "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
      Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity (Hos., 10:12, 13)."
      "But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented (Luke, 16:25)."
      "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
      Who will render to every man according to his deeds (Rom., 2:5, 6)."
      9   And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
      "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
      He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Ps., 126:5, 6)."
      10   As we have therefore opportunity, [300] let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
      11   Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
      12   As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
      13   For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
      14   But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
      "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (I. Cor., 1:18)."
      15   For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
      16   And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
      "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing (Phil., 3:16)."
      17   From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
      "For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ (II. Cor., 1:5)."
      "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body (II. Cor., 4:10)."
      "Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
      Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep (II. Cor., 11:24, 25)."
      18   Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
      ¶ Unto the Galatians written from Rome.

 

[TSINT 292-301]


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Ashley S. Johnson
The Self-Interpreting New Testament (1898)

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